The Cleveland Cavaliers has been a dominant force in the Eastern Conference since LeBron James returned. When James left the Cavs to play for the Miami Heat, the team has a combined 97-215 win-loss record. But since James returned, the Cavs has a combined record of 123-59. It was a big improvement from 0.311 winning percentage to 0.676 winning percentage.
It was clear how big LeBron James influence is to the Cavs team in terms of winning. During those 4 seasons of James absence, the Cavaliers didn't make the playoffs. When he returned two seasons ago, the Cavs made two straight trips to the NBA Finals. And last season, they just won their first ever NBA Championship trophy.
This year, the Cavs have been dominant once again. They are projected to meet their rival Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals this season. At 13-5 win-loss record, they are first in the Eastern Conference and fourth in the entire league. They are struggling a little bit as they lost 3 straight games.
LeBron James has been playing an MVP-type of season as always. In 17 games with the Cavs this season, he is averaging 23.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 9.4 assists and 1.1 steals in 36.3 minutes. He is 14th in scoring, 4th in assists and 7th in minutes played.
But new acquisition NBA veteran Mike Dunleavy has been struggling to fit in with the Cavaliers. In 14 games with the Cavs, he is averaging 4.2 points, 1.7 rebounds and 0.9 assists on 35.1% shooting from the field and 28.2% from the three-point line. And according to ESPN, Turkish small forward Cedi Osman could sign with Cavaliers next season if they decide to let go of Dunleavy.
Cedi Osman was drafted as the 31st overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2015 NBA Draft. His rights were then traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. But right now, he is currently playing for the Anadolu Efes Istanbul of the Turkish Basketball Super League (BSL). In his 3 years with Anadolu Efes, he is averaging 6.5 points and 3.0 rebounds in 63 games, as per Wikipedia.
The Cavs will be over the salary cap for some time because of big contracts by LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. And Osman is young and affordable player. Mike Dunleavy's salary next season is a non-guaranteed. If the Cavs decided to move on with Dunleavy, Osman could fit into that role in 2017, as further discussed by ESPN.
Will Cedi Osman play for the Cleveland Cavaliers next season? Stay tuned for more NBA trade rumors and updates.
